DGAP Events

Overview of DGAP Events

Members of the German Council on Foregin Relations can hear renowned experts discuss the key questions and prevailing topics of foreign policy at the DGAP on a regular basis. Below is a listing of upcoming and recent events taking place within the framework of the DGAP's Council. Additional events at the DGAP are organized within the framework of the Research Institute and can be viewed here.

EU and Japan started a scoping exercise on the chances of a bilateral FTA. The symposium recognized the potential but also stressed the problem of removing non-tariff barriers in the Japanese market. On energy, Japan and Germany took different positions: While some stressed that the nuclear option was still necessary to achieve energy security, Germany committed to the “Energiewende”. The last topic on climate change triggered a discussion on how to achieve the 2°C target within the Durban framework.

Christine Lagarde visits the DGAP to call for stronger growth, more integration, and increases to the euro bailout fund

23/01/2012 | 12:30 - 14:00 | DGAP | IMF

In a cautiously optimistic address at the DGAP, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said that 2012 could be a “year of healing.” But overcoming the crisis will require quick and coordinated action. The eurozone must introduce measures that will lead to more growth and integration – and increases to the euro bailout fund. This is the only way to build trust in the financial system. Lagarde also envisages a massive increase in the IMF’s crisis funds.

The young Balkan republic needs Europe and hopes to join the European Union – the guest from Pristina came to state his country’s case in Berlin. But the Union would also be missing something without Kosovo. Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj, CDU parliamentarian Roderich Kiesewetter, and British Labour MP Denis MacShane discuss how to ease the conflict with Serbia and how regional cooperation and EU integration can succeed.

From 1940 to 1941, diplomat and author Ivo Andrić was head of mission for the Yugoslav embassy at Rauchstraße 17 in Berlin. He later received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1961. The DGAP commemorated these historic events with an evening centered on a reading of Andrić’s “The Bridge on the Drina,” which was followed by a presentation of “How The Soldier Repairs The Gramophone,” by German-speaking Bosnian author Saša Stanišić, and a discussion on the present situation in the Western Balkans.

Polish foreign minister Radosław Sikorski reminds Berlin of its special responsibility in overcoming the European debt crisis

28/11/2011 | 18:30 - 20:00 | Allianz Forum | Poland, European Union

The debt crisis, a rescue package, fear over a break-up of the eurozone: The EU is fighting for its common currency – and the cohesion of the Union. Against this background, Polish foreign minister Radosław Sikorski was invited by the DGAP and German daily Die Welt to give a keynote address on Europe at the Allianz Forum Berlin: A plea for more integration and an appeal to the German government, whose leadership is now urgently needed. One thing is clear: Berlin can rely on Poland’s support.

The reforms implemented by president Saakashvili after the “Rose Revolution” were decisive for Georgia’s positive political and economic development. In his speech „Georgia – economic success in a difficult and dynamic area” on November 15th in the German Council on Foreign Relations the Georgian prime minister Nikoloz Gilauri especially emphasized the success in fighting corruption and the liberalization of the Georgian economy.

Resign of Berlusconi, imminent national bankruptcy, crisis of government: Italy is currently facing a crucial time.

10/11/2011 | 18:00 - 19:15 | DGAP | Italy, Economy and Finance

An interim government determined to carry out reforms consequently could change tack. Italy’s small business owners and the largely privatized banks will certainly facilitate the new start of the economy. These were the most important statements made by the participants of “Ambassador’s Matinee”, a cooperation of the German Council on Foreign Relations with Inforadio Berlin-Brandenburg, on November 10th.

Albania is on the way to a better future. More regional cooperation and the admission of the Southeast European countries to the EU could permanently stabilize the Balkans. Albania feels like being a part of Europe, but the way to integratiion is hampered by the political situation of the country. These were the most important conclusions made by Edmond Haxhinasto during his speech „Albania, the Western Balkans and the EU“ on November 8th, 2011, at the DGAP.

Lecture of the Iranian Vice Minister for Economic and Finance on Iran’s Foreign Trade Policy

26/10/2011 - 28/10/2011 | 15:00 - 16:30 | DGAP

Outside loud-voiced demonstrations against the Iranian nuclear program in front of the entrance, inside unemotional dispassion and the presentation of many figures: During his speech “Double track diplomacy and its consequences” on 26th of October in the rooms of the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), Dr. Mohammad Reza Farzin mainly aimed at presenting the economic goals of his government as well as promoting foreign investment.

Southeast Asia has gained more and more importance for the EU and Germany, both politically and economically. Thus, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) strives for long-term relations to EU countries that won’t weaken as they did during the Asian crisis in 1997. EU’s political body serves as an “inspiration”, not a as role model.

The hope is green, as the saying goes. However, the population of the Green Island has given up hope in the recent years. The heavy burden of debts is striking, and the frustration of the Irishmen that they have to pay for irresponsible credits and failed financial politics has become tremendous. What are the reasons for the economic slowdown of Ireland? Which political and social effects does the crisis have on the country?

Hardly in office for two weeks, the new Greek foreign minister Stavros Lambrinidis came to Berlin on July 6, 2011 to speak at the DGAP about the causes of the current crisis and to appeal for European solidarity. Greece had barely avoided bankruptcy a few days before when eurozone finance ministers gave the OK for a transfer of a much-needed loan installment of 8.7 billion euros to Athens.

How will the Arab world develop after its stormy spring? This was one of the questions that Jack A. Goldstone of George Mason University, Paul Freiherr von Maltzahn, executive vice-president German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), and Almut Möller, head of the Alfred von Oppenheim-Center for European Policy Studies at the DGAP discussed.

Are democracy and Islam compatible? Looking around at most Muslim countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, one could certainly doubt this. However, Indonesia – with a Muslim population of over 200 million; the largest Islamic country in the world - shows that democracy is possible.